Goa Professional League: Salgaocar win their first local league title since 2004

Salgaocar defeated Churchill Brothers 2-1 at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa on Saturday to win the Goa league title for the first time in nine years. The two-time Indian champions have had a disappointing I-League campaign as they are currently seventh, with one game remaining.

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers required three points to keep their Goa League title hopes alive but named a second string side like they have been for most of this Goa League campaign. Salgaocar, however, named a very strong team with foreigners Luciano Sabrosa, Gabriel Obatola and Josimar all in the starting eleven.

Needing a win to seal the crown, Salgaocar went in front through Gabriel Obatola but suffered a huge blow when Francis Fernandes was sent off. Churchill capitalised on their numerical advantage by equalising through Richard Costa.

However, Augustin Fernandes regained Salgaocar’s lead and the sending off of young Churchill custodian Bilal Khan late on made it easier for the 2010-11 I-League champions to hold on to their slender advantage.

This is Salgaocar’s first major trophy since the Federation Cup triumph in 2011 while Churchill Brothers need a win from their last two matches to lift their second I-League title.